New Zealand registered their first win on the tour against Pakistan by defeating them by 47 runs in the first of the three-match ODI series. Trent Boult was named the Man of the Match for his scintillating hat-trick which derailed the chase for the home side. Unfortunately, his achievements were sidelined as a controversial incident during the first innings of the game was the talk of the town after the game.

In the 18th over of New Zealand’s batting innings, Ross Taylor was seen complaining to the umpires about Mohammad Hafeez’s bowling action. After defending one of he deliveries, the Kiwi batsman wasn’t pleased with Hafeez’s bowling and gestured to the on-field umpire that he is chucking.

Sarfraz left fuming

Sarfraz Ahmed, meanwhile, was quick to have a chat with the umpires after the over. He was having an animated say in the discussion as the officials Joel Wilson and Shozab Raza quietly listened to him and had a talk with the Pakistan skipper. It was clear that Sarfraz wasn’t happy at all with the batsman suggesting the umpire to check the action.

He also went on to say that the incident was disgraceful to add more to the controversy. Even Taylor and Hafeez were involved in a chat as the former was seen explaining to the bowler something about his action. Hafeez has been suspended thrice before in 2014, 2015 and 2017 before by the ICC and it will be interesting to see if the match referee Javagal Srinath will take any action over the involved players.

Taylor didn’t let his concentration drift away after the incident and went on to score 80 runs off 112 deliveries hitting five boundaries. Even Hafeez bowled well and conceded only 23 runs in his six overs while also bowing a maiden. However, he failed to pick up a wicket during his spell.

In this day and age of professional sport it is sad to see a player trying to get another player cited,banned or sent off. Leave the match officials to make the decisions and you get on with your game. It could be a player’s career at stake. #RossTaylor

Bowling action of #MohammadHafeez has not been reported. All is fine for Hafeez & he'll continue bowling. Infact Ross Taylor has been asked not to conduct any such appeal in future as this is job of onfield Umpires or Referee. Act of Taylor went against sportsman spirit.🏏#PAKvNZ